Two Die Near Myrtle Ck., Jan. 3

On January 2, 2017 at about 2:30AM, OSP Troopers and emergency personnel responded to the report of a single vehicle crash on Interstate 5 near milepost 112 (north of Myrtle Creek). Upon arriving on scene, emergency personnel could not locate the driver or occupants. Two adult females were soon after located deceased on the river bank below the bridge where the crash had occurred. Preliminary information revealed a 2002 Kia sport utility was traveling southbound on Interstate5 when the driver lost control and crashed on the bridge crossing the South Umpqua River near milepost 112. At some point after the crash the driver and her passenger exited the vehicle and called 911 to report the incident. It is unknown at what point the following event occurred, but both occupants crossed over the bridge railing falling to the riverbank below. Both adult females were pronounced deceased by medical personnel upon their arrival. Troopers obtained a measurement of approximately 80 from the bridge deck to the river bank below. The victim’s names will be released once the families have been notified and appropriate time has passed for them to notify other friends and family.